Ninja

Basic Info

• Type: Action-Attack-Shadow
• Cost: 4
• Effect: +$2. Each other player discards down to 4 cards in hand.
• Shadow: Can be played directly from your deck.

Rating

A $4 attack with +$2 bonus and the brutal Minion-tier hand attack. Shadow type lets it play from deck without using a hand slot.

Tier B+. S where attacks are scarce; B where reactions exist.

How to Play

Early: $4 buy. Activate next turn for +$2 + attack.

Mid: Shadow play conserves hand space. Multi-Ninja keeps opponents at 4 cards permanently.

Late: Attack disrupts Province acquisition.

When to Pick / Skip

Pick when:

1. Weak alternative attacks.
2. Engines using Shadow synergy.
3. Long games for sustained pressure.

Skip when:

1. Moat/Lighthouse blocks.
2. Short rushes.
3. Heavy terminal collision (mitigated by Shadow).

3-4 copies typical.

Key Combos

Ninja + King's Court: +$4 + 2 attacks.

Ninja + Smithy: Draw to find Ninja.

Ninja + Haven: timing.

Ninja + Key: stable +$1.

Ninja + Change: Copper → Ninja upgrade.

Ninja + Messenger: gain synergy.

Synergies

• King's Court: doubled.
• Smithy/Council Room: draw.
• Haven: timing.
• Key: continuous +$1.
• Change: upgrade.
• Messenger: gain.
• Spices: Coffer.
• All Shadow cards.

Counters & Bad Matchups

• Moat/Lighthouse: blocks.
• Reactions: partial.
• Short games.
• Heavy terminals (Shadow mitigates).

Advanced Tips

Shadow strategy: play from deck, save hand slot. Engines fire 10+ cards plus Ninja.

Attack severity: hand to 4 = Minion-tier. $4 cost is a steal.

KC max: KC + Ninja = +$4 + 2 attacks per turn.

Mirror: handsize attrition, both stuck at 4 cards.

Haven: save Ninja or use Shadow alt.

Province line: Ninja + Treasures = $8.

Multi-Ninja: 3-4 = +$6-8 + sustained attack.

Reaction defense: Moat/Lighthouse blocks attack but +$2 still applies.

3-pile-go: Ninja stack depletion.